The Alps are known for having a very rich flora and fauna and Morzine is no exception.
As in many places in the mountains, the growth of towns and ski resorts threatens the way of life of many animals and shifts their habitats further afield. Always respect the mountains and their environment.
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The alps are home to a wide variety of animals. Mammals to be found in the mountains near Morzine include: chamois (mountain goats), ibex, lynx (very rare), big horn sheep, marmots, mountain hares and foxes.
There is a limited variety of birds but the sight of a royal eagle or a bearded vulture is a rare treat. Reptiles such as snakes and lizards come out to warm themselves in the sunshine. Watch out for snakes as a few are poisonous! There are also a wide variety of butterflies and beetles to be found.
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During the Spring and Summer the mountains are often carpeted with beautiful flowers. Spring time is called to action by the crocuses and the snowdrops as the first to poke through the ground. If you are interested in flowers and plants, don't forget to pick up a guide book of the flora in the region before heading out.
Keep in mind that some species are protected and that it is illegal to pick flowers in a national reserve.
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The French Alps cover about 35 000 km² of the western Alpine chain. They form an arc from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, 350 km long with an average width of 100 km. The highest point is the Mt-Blanc at 4807m (15 770ft). The average altitude is 1100m.
The characteristics of these young (everything's relative!) mountains are strongly defined by the pinacles, needles, enclosed valleys and long glaciers. An extraordinary variety of rocks and minerals can be found, particularly in the massif. Intense erosion, often assisted by man, continues to expose mineralogical and petrographical treasures.